Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a wrong and unlawful act performed by a physician?

1. Misfeasance

2. Malpractice

3. Malfeasance

4. Maltreatment

The correct answer is: Malfeasance

The term that best describes a wrong and unlawful act performed by a physician is malfeasance. Malfeasance refers to the performance of a lawful act in an illegal or improper manner. In the context of medical practice, this could involve a physician intentionally engaging in actions that are deemed illegal or unethical, such as performing a procedure without consent or falsifying a medical record. Malpractice, while also a relevant term, specifically refers to negligence or failure to perform duties that meet the standard of care expected within the medical field, usually resulting in harm to the patient. Misfeasance is similar but specifically denotes the improper performance of a lawful act rather than engaging in an inherently unlawful act. Maltreatment typically refers to the abuse or neglect of a patient but does not encompass the broader range of unlawful acts a physician might commit. Therefore, malfeasance is the most appropriate choice when defining actions that are both wrong and unlawful performed by a physician.